Tent and a method for heat insulating a tent

ABSTRACT

A tent ( 1 ) comprises a flysheet ( 4 ) supported on a plurality of ground engaging tent poles ( 7 ), each of which terminate in respective opposite ground engaging ends ( 8 ). A heat insulated enclosure ( 2 ) is suspended within the flysheet ( 4 ) from the ground engaging tent poles ( 7 ) by suspension straps ( 24 ). The heat insulated enclosure ( 2 ) comprises a heat insulated groundsheet ( 17 ), a heat insulated peripheral side wall ( 19 ) extending upwardly from the heat insulated groundsheet ( 17 ) to a heat insulated ridge element ( 20 ), all of which include spaced apart inner and outer sheets ( 25,26 ) of fabric material with a heat insulating material ( 27 ) such as cellucotton material of thickness typically in the range of 15 mm to 40 mm sandwiched between the inner and outer sheets ( 25,26 ). The heat insulated enclosure defines an open mouth ( 21 ) which is closed by a heat insulated closure sheet ( 22 ), and the heat insulated enclosure ( 2 ) communicates with a day compartment ( 10 ) located forwardly of the heat insulated enclosure ( 2 ) within the flysheet ( 4 ).

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/502,815, filed Feb. 9, 2017, which is a National Stage ofInternational Application No. PCT/IE2015/000011 filed Aug. 12, 2015,claiming priority based on Irish Patent Application No. S2014/0203 filedAug. 12, 2014, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

The present invention relates to a tent, and to a method for heatinsulating a tent.

Tents are commonly used in recreational camping, and in general, areused during periods where the ambient temperature is conducive tocamping, which in general, includes periods from spring through summerto autumn. In general, tents are unsuitable to camping during winter orin relatively cold climates. Additionally, tents are used as emergencyaccommodation after a disaster has struck, such as, for example,earthquakes, flooding, tidal waves and the like. However, while tents atleast provide shelter from wind and rain, in general, they tend to beunsatisfactory for use as emergency accommodating in disaster strickenareas, particularly where the ambient temperatures are relatively low,and in particular, where the night time temperature drops below freezingpoint. Thus, in general, in cold and freezing conditions, and also invery hot conditions, tents are used as emergency accommodation forrelatively short periods only. There are many occasions where tents arerequired to provide accommodation for relatively extended periods, inparticular, for housing refugees displaced as a result of war, and alsoin disaster stricken areas. Unfortunately, tents known heretofore, ingeneral, are unsatisfactory for such use, and are also unsuitable forrecreational use in extreme environments, in particular very cold orvery hot conditions.

There is therefore a need for a tent which addresses at least some ofthese problems of known tents.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a tent, and theinvention is also directed towards providing a method for heatinsulating a tent.

According to the invention there is provided a heat insulated tentcomprising a heat insulated enclosure having a heat insulatedgroundsheet, and a heat insulated peripheral side wall adapted to extendupwardly from the heat insulated groundsheet, and substantially aroundthe heat insulated groundsheet, the heat insulated side wall beingadapted to converge upwardly and to join adjacent a top ridge of thetent or to join a top heat insulated ridge element to close the top ofthe heat insulated enclosure, the peripheral side wall defining an openmouth to the enclosure. Preferably, the heat insulated enclosure isadapted for suspending from at least one ground engaging tent pole, andpreferably, from a plurality of ground engaging tent poles.

In one aspect of the invention a closure element is provided to closethe open mouth to the heat insulated enclosure, and preferably, theclosure element comprises a heat insulated closure element.Advantageously, the closure element is releasably securable to the heatinsulated enclosure.

Advantageously, the closure element comprises an inner sheet and anouter sheet spaced apart from the inner sheet, with a heat insulatingmaterial sandwiched therebetween.

In another aspect of the invention the heat insulated groundsheetcomprises an inner sheet and an outer sheet spaced apart from the innersheet with a heat insulating material sandwiched therebetween.

In another aspect of the invention the heat insulated peripheral wallcomprises an inner sheet and an outer sheet spaced apart from the innersheet with a heat insulating material sandwiched therebetween.

In a further aspect of the invention the heat insulated ridge elementcomprises an inner sheet and an outer sheet spaced apart from the innersheet with heat insulating material sandwiched therebetween.

In one aspect of the invention the heat insulated groundsheet isreleasably secured to the heat insulated peripheral side wall.

Preferably, at least the inner sheet of each of the heat insulatedclosure element, the heat insulated groundsheet and the heat insulatedperipheral wall and the heat insulated ridge element comprises a fabricmaterial, which may be selected from any one or more of the followingmaterial: polycotton, polyester and other such plastics based materials.In another aspect of the invention the outer sheet of each of the heatinsulated closure element, the heat insulated groundsheet, the heatinsulated peripheral wall and the heat insulated ridge element maycomprise a moisture- or water-proofed material, or alternatively, maycomprise a fabric material, selected from one or more of the followingmaterials:

polycotton, polyester and other such plastics based materials.

In a further embodiment of the invention the heat insulating materialmay be selected from any one of suitable plastics based heat insulatingmaterial, which preferably, are breathable. In another aspect of theinvention the heat insulating material may comprise any one or more of acellucotton insulating material, a polyester based heat insulatingmaterial, polyester wadding, hollow fibre material, goose down, duckdown and cotton, and preferably, the heat insulating material isbreathable. Advantageously, the thickness of the heat insulatingmaterial may be of any suitable thickness, and typically, would be inthe range of 15 mm to 40 mm thickness, and preferably, would be in therange of 15 mm to 30 mm, and advantageously, in the range of 20 mm to 25mm.

In another aspect of the invention a flysheet is provided, and the heatinsulated enclosure is suspended within the flysheet, or from a flysheetframe. Advantageously, the flysheet comprises a waterproof material.

Advantageously, a waterproof groundsheet is provided which may or maynot be secured to the flysheet, and preferably, the heat insulatedgroundsheet is supported on the waterproof groundsheet.

In another aspect of the invention the heat insulated enclosure issuspended from the ground engaging tent poles by a plurality ofsuspension elements, which preferably, are provided by suspensionstraps. Advantageously, the suspension straps extend between the heatinsulated enclosure and one of the flysheet and the ground engaging tentpoles. Advantageously, the suspension straps are secured to the heatinsulated enclosure, and are releasably secured to the one of theflysheet and the ground engaging tent poles.

In a further aspect of the invention the suspension elements are securedto the peripheral wall of the heat insulated enclosure, and whereprovided, to the heat insulated ridge element.

In one embodiment of the invention the tent comprises a non-heatinsulated day compartment, and the heat insulated enclosure isconfigured to communicate with the day compartment through the openmouth of the heat insulated enclosure.

Preferably, the day compartment comprises a closable communicatingopening adapted to provide access to the open mouth of the heatinsulated enclosure, and preferably, the closable communicating openingis releasably closable by a closure flap.

Preferably, a coupling means is provided for coupling the heat insulatedenclosure to the day compartment with the communicating openingcommunicating with the open mouth of the heat insulated enclosure.Advantageously, the coupling means comprises a releasable couplingmeans, and advantageously, the coupling means sealably couples the heatinsulated enclosure to the day compartment.

In another aspect of the invention the day compartment is adapted toreceive a plurality of heat insulated enclosures, and advantageously,the day compartment comprises a plurality of communicating openingsconfigured to communicate with the respective heat insulated enclosuresthrough the open mouths of the respective heat insulated enclosures.

In another aspect of the invention the day compartment comprises adome-shaped day compartment.

Preferably, the day compartment comprises a flysheet. Advantageously,the day compartment comprises a groundsheet.

Preferably, the heat insulating material comprises acoustic insulatingproperties.

Further the invention provides a tent comprising a day compartmenthaving a flysheet, and at least one sleeping compartment releasablysecured to the day compartment, the at least one sleeping compartmentcomprising a heat insulated enclosure, at least one closablecommunicating opening located in the flysheet of the day compartment forcommunicating the day compartment with the corresponding at least onesleeping compartment, and a coupling means for releasably coupling theat least one sleeping compartment to the day compartment with the atleast one sleeping compartment communicating with the day compartmentthrough the communicating opening of the day compartment.

Preferably, the coupling means comprises a waterproof or at least aweatherproof sealing means for sealing the joint between the at leastone sleeping compartment and the day compartment.

Advantageously, the flysheet of the day compartment comprises aplurality of closable communicating openings for communicating the daycompartment with respective ones of the sleeping compartments.Advantageously, the day compartment comprises a groundsheet, andadvantageously, the heat insulated enclosure of each sleepingcompartment is suspended within the sleeping compartment.

The invention also provides a method for heat insulating a tent, themethod comprising providing a heat insulated enclosure having a heatinsulated groundsheet, and a heat insulated peripheral side wall adaptedto extend upwardly from the heat insulated groundsheet, andsubstantially around the heat insulated groundsheet, adapting the heatinsulated peripheral side wall to converge upwardly, and joining theperipheral side wall to form a top ridge or joining a top heat insulatedridge element to close the top of the heat insulated enclosure,providing the peripheral side wall to define an open mouth to theenclosure. Preferably, the heat insulated enclosure is suspended from atleast one ground engaging tent pole, and preferably, from a plurality ofground engaging tent poles.

In one aspect of the invention a closure element is provided to closethe open mouth to the heat insulated enclosure, and preferably, theclosure element comprises a heat insulated closure element.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the followingdescription of some embodiments thereof, which are given by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a heat insulated tent according tothe invention,

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the heat insulated tent of FIG. 1from the opposite side to that of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a front end elevational view of the heat insulated tent ofFIG. 1,

FIG. 4 is a rear end elevational view of the heat insulated tent of FIG.1,

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the heat insulated tent of FIG. 1,

FIG. 6 is a transverse cross-sectional end elevational view of the heatinsulated tent of FIG. 1 on the line VI-VI of FIG. 1,

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional end view of a detail of the heatinsulated tent of FIG. 1,

FIG. 8 is a plan view of an insulated tent according to anotherembodiment of the invention,

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the tent of FIG. 8,

FIG. 10 is an enlarged front elevational view of a heat insulatedcompartment of the tent of FIG. 8,

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of a portion of the tent of FIG. 8,

FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of another portion of the tent ofFIG. 8,

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the portion of FIG. 12 of the tent of FIG.8,

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of a detail of the tent of FIG. 8,and

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of a tent according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

Referring to the drawings, and initially to FIGS. 1 to 7 thereof, thereis illustrated a tent according to the invention, indicated generally bythe reference numeral 1, which in this embodiment of the inventioncomprises a heat insulated tent. The tent 1 comprises a heat insulatedenclosure 2 which is located within a flysheet 4 and a waterproofgroundsheet 5, which typically is secured to the flysheet 4. Theflysheet 4 is supported on a plurality of ground engaging tent poles 7which extend transversely across the tent 1 and are formed into an arcso that each ground engaging tent pole 7 terminates in respectiveopposite ground engaging ends 8. The heat insulated enclosure 2 issuspended from the ground engaging tent poles 7 and is located withinthe flysheet 4 as will be described below.

In this embodiment of the invention the tent 1 comprises a forwardnon-insulated day compartment 10, and a rearward sleeping compartment 12within which the heat insulated enclosure 2 is located for forming thesleeping compartment 12. The day and sleeping compartments 10 and 12 areformed by the flysheet 4 and the waterproof ground engaging sheet 5, andthe flysheet 4 defines a forward access opening 14 to provide access tothe tent 1 which is closed by closure sheets (not shown) in aconventional manner, which will be well known to those skilled in theart. The supporting of the flysheet 4 on the tent poles 7 will also bewell known to those skilled in the art.

Turning now to the sleeping compartment 12, the heat insulatingenclosure 2 comprises a heat insulated groundsheet 17, and a heatinsulated peripheral side wall 19 extending upwardly from the heatinsulated groundsheet 17, and substantially around the heat insulatedgroundsheet 17. The heat insulated peripheral side wall 19 is secured tothe heat insulated groundsheet 17. In this embodiment of the inventionthe heat insulated peripheral side walls 19 extend upwardly to a heatinsulated ridge element 20 and is secured thereto. However, in someembodiments of the invention the heat insulated peripheral side wall 19may be joined adjacent its top to form a top ridge, instead of beingjoined to a heat insulated ridge element 20. The heat insulatedgroundsheet 17, and the heat insulated peripheral side wall 19, as wellas the heat insulated ridge element 20 define an open mouth 21 to theheat insulated enclosure 2 to facilitate entry to the heat insulatedenclosure 2 from the forward day compartment 10 and exit from the heatinsulated enclosure 2 to the forward day compartment 10. A heatinsulated closure element, comprising a heat insulated closure sheet 22closes the open mouth 21. The heat insulated closure sheet 22 is securedto the heat insulated ridge element 20 and depend downwardly therefrom,and is secured to the heat insulated peripheral side wall 19 adjacentrespective opposite sides of the open mouth 21 by zip fasteners orstrips of hooks and eyes of the type which are sold under the Trade MarkVELCRO (neither of which are shown), as will be well understood by thoseskilled in the art.

Suspension elements, namely, suspension straps 24 secured to the heatinsulated peripheral side wall 19 and the heat insulated ridge element20 at spaced apart intervals are provided for securing the heatinsulated enclosure 2 to adjacent ones of the ground engaging tent poles7 for suspending the heat insulated enclosure 2 therefrom within theflysheet 4. The suspension straps 24 may be adapted for tying to thetent poles, or may terminate in fastener elements, for example, hooksand eyes of the type sold under the Trade Mark VELCRO or the like forreleasably securing around and to the tent poles 7. Alternatively, thesuspension straps 24 may be secured to the flysheet 4 and would beadapted for releasable securing to the heat insulated peripheral sidewall 19 and the heat insulated ridge element 20.

Turning now to the heat insulated material of the heat insulatedenclosure 2. Each of the heat insulated groundsheet 17, the heatinsulated peripheral side wall 19, the heat insulated ridge element 20and the heat insulated closure sheet 22 comprises an inner sheet 25 andan outer sheet 26 spaced apart from the inner sheet 25. A heatinsulating material 27 is sandwiched between the inner and outer sheets25 and 26. In this embodiment of the invention the inner and outersheets 25 and 26 are of a fabric material, for example, polycotton,polyester or any other suitable plastics or natural type fabricmaterial. The heat insulating material 27 comprises any suitable heatinsulating material, for example, polyester wadding, cellucottonmaterial, hollow fibre material, or other suitable heat insulatingmaterials, typically of thickness in the order of 15 mm to 30 mm, andpreferably, of thickness of the order of 20 mm to 25 mm, although thethickness of the heat insulating material 27 will depend on the heatinsulating characteristics of the material, and on the degree of heatinsulating (R/U-value) required, and in certain cases, the thickness ofthe heat insulating material may be as much as 40 mm, and in some casesgreater than 40 mm. Ideally, the heat insulating material 27 as well asthe fabric materials of the inner and outer sheets 25 and 26 are abreathable material.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 to 14, there is illustrated a tent according toanother embodiment of the invention, indicated generally by thereference numeral 30. The tent 30 is substantially similar to the heatinsulated tent 1 and similar components are identified by the samereference numerals. The main difference between the tent 30 and the tent1 is that the tent 30 comprises a non-heat insulated day compartment 31of dome-shape construction. Additionally, the day compartment 31 isconfigured to receive a plurality of sleeping compartments, in thisembodiment of the invention four sleeping compartments 32. Each of thesleeping compartments 32 is substantially similar to the sleepingcompartment 12 of the tent 1, and each sleeping compartment 32 comprisesa suspended heat insulated enclosure 2 similar to the heat insulatedenclosure 2 of the sleeping compartment 12 located and suspended withinthe corresponding sleeping compartments 32. The day compartment 31comprises a flysheet 33 and a groundsheet 34. Ground engaging tent poles36 support the flysheet 33 of the day compartment 31.

Four connecting openings 38 are formed in the flysheet 33 of the daycompartment 31 for communicating the day compartment 31 with thecorresponding sleeping compartment 32 through the open mouth 21 of thesleeping compartment 32. Each communicating opening 38 is releasablyclosable by a closure flap 39 which is releasably coupled to theflysheet 33 of the day compartment 32 adjacent the correspondingconnecting opening 38. The closure flaps 39 are typically releasablysecured to the flysheet 33 of the day compartment 31 by one or more zipfasteners, as will be well known to those skilled in the art, andadditional sealing means may be provided for weatherproofing the zippedjoints.

The sleeping compartments 32 are releasably secured to the daycompartment 31 by releasable securing means, which in this embodiment ofthe invention comprise respective zip fasteners (not shown), one portionof which zip fastener is secured to the flysheet 33 of the dome-shapedday compartment 31, and extends completely around the correspondingconnecting opening 38, and the other portion of the zip fastener issecured to the flysheet 4 of the sleeping compartment 12 and extendscompletely around an open mouth 35 defined by the flysheet 4 and thewaterproof groundsheet 5 of the sleeping compartment 12. A suitableweatherproofing sealing means is provided over the zip fasteners toweatherproof and waterproof the zip fastener joint. Typically, theweatherproofing and waterproofing of the zip fastener joint is providedby a waterproof sealing flap (not shown) secured to the flysheet 33 ofthe day compartment 31 adjacent and extending around the correspondingconnecting opening 38 of the day compartment 31, and the waterproofsealing flap is releasably secured to the flysheet 4 of the sleepingcompartment 32 adjacent the open mouth 35 by hooks and eyes sold underthe Trade Mark VELCRO or other suitable releasable fastening means.

A vestibule 40 extends forwardly from the day compartment 31 of the tent30 in a conventional manner. Such a vestibule will be well known tothose skilled in the art.

The tent 30 may be erected with any number of sleeping compartments fromone up to four. Where four sleeping compartments 32 are to be secured tothe day compartment 31, the sleeping compartments 32 are secured to theday compartment 31 by securing the flysheet 4 and the groundsheet 5 ofthe sleeping compartments 32 to the flysheet 33 and the groundsheet 34of the day compartment 31 by the respective zip fasteners (not shown)which secure the respective flysheets 4 and 33 and the respectivegroundsheets 5 and 34 of the sleeping compartment 32 and the daycompartment 31. The waterproof sealing flaps are then secured over thezip fasteners.

Where less than four sleeping compartments 32 are to be secured to theday compartment 31, the closure flap 39 of each connecting opening 38 ofthe day compartment 31 to which a sleeping compartment 32 is not to besecured is closed by the corresponding closure flap 39 which is securedto the flysheet 33 of the day compartment 31 by the zip fastener (notshown). The waterproof sealing flap for sealably joining one of thesleeping compartments 32 to the day compartment 31 is then releasablysecured to the closure flap 39 of the corresponding connecting opening38 by the hooks and eyes sold under the Trade Mark VELCRO or othersuitable fastening means.

With the sleeping compartments 32 secured to the day compartment 31, thetent 30 is ready for use.

If desired, the sleeping compartments 32 may be used as stand-alonetents.

While the tent 30 has been described as comprising a day compartment inthe shape of a dome, and adapted to receive four sleeping compartments,the day compartment may be of any size or shape, and may be adapted forreceiving any desired number of sleeping compartments.

Referring now to FIG. 15, there is illustrated a tent according toanother embodiment of the invention, indicated generally by thereference numeral 50. The tent 50 according to this embodiment of theinvention is a tent of the type which is commonly referred to as aglamping tent. The tent 50 comprises a support structure (not shown)which may be a permanent structure, a semi-permanent structure or atemporary structure. Such structures of glamping tents will be wellknown to those skilled in the art, and the structure may be a woodenstructure constructed from timber upright poles which supportlongitudinally and transversely extending beams of timber, or theuprights and longitudinally and transversely extending beams may be ofreinforced concrete, steel or the like. The construction of suchstructures of glamping tents will be well known to those skilled in theart. A flysheet 51 is supported on the support structure, and is securedto the ground by ropes (not shown). The flysheet may or may not extendto the ground. The securing of such flysheets will be well known tothose skilled in the art.

A heat insulated enclosure 53 is suspended from the support structureand comprises a heat insulated groundsheet 54 and a heat insulatedperipheral wall 55 extending upwardly from the groundsheet 54 to a heatinsulated ridge-shaped top wall 56. The peripheral wall 55 in thisembodiment of the invention comprises a pair of spaced apart heatinsulated side walls 57 extending upwardly from the groundsheet 54 tothe top wall 56, which are joined by spaced apart heat insulated frontand rear gable end walls 58 which also extend upwardly from thegroundsheet 54 to the top wall 56. The front gable end wall 58 only isillustrated. An open mouth 60 which provides access to the heatinsulated enclosure 53 is formed in the front gable end wall 58, and isclosed by a pair of heat insulated closure flaps 62. The closure flaps62 may be secured to the front gable end wall 58 along their respectivetop edges 63 or along their respective outer side edges 64. If securedto the front gable end wall 58 along their respective top edges 63, theclosure flaps 62 would be releasably secured along their respectiveouter side edge 64 by any suitable fastening means, for example, hooksand eyes of the types old under the Trade Mark VELCRO, ties or any othersuitable fastening means. Alternatively, where the closure flaps 62 aresecured along their outer side edges 64 to the front gable end wall 58,the closure flaps 62 would be releasably fastened along their respectivetop edges 63 to the front gable end wall 53 by any suitable fasteningmeans, for example, hooks and eyes of the type sold under the Trade MarkVELCRO, ties or the like. In either case, the closure flaps 62 arereleasably fastened to each other along their respective inner sideedges 65 by any suitable fastening means, for example, hooks and eyes ofthe type sold under the Trade Mark VELCRO or ties. Additionally, theclosure flaps 62 are releasably fastened along their respective loweredges 66 to the groundsheet 54 also by any suitable releasable fasteningmeans, for example, hooks and eyes of the type sold under the Trade MarkVELCRO or ties.

The rear gable end wall (not shown) is similar to the front gable endwall 58, with the exception that the rear gable end wall is providedwithout an open mouth.

The heat insulated groundsheet 54, the heat insulated side walls 57, thefront gable end wall 58 an the rear gable end wall and the heatinsulated top wall 56 as well as the heat insulated closure flaps 62 areof similar construction to the heat insulated groundsheet 17, the heatinsulated side wall 19 and the heat insulated ridge element 20 and theheat insulated closure sheets 22 described with reference to the tent 1,each comprise an inner sheet and an outer sheet similar to the inner andouter sheets 25 and 26 described with reference to the tent 1, and aheat insulating material similar to the heat insulating material 27 ofthe tent 1 which is sandwiched between the inner and outer sheets asdescribed with reference to the tent 1.

It is also envisaged that in certain cases, the heat insulatedgroundsheet 54 may be provided separately to the remainder of the heatinsulated enclosure 53, and in which case, the heat insulatedgroundsheet 54 would be releasably secured or indeed permanently securedor semi-permanently secured to the peripheral side wall 55 of the heatinsulated enclosure 53. Where the heat insulated groundsheet 54 isreleasably secured to the peripheral wall 25 of the heat insulatedenclosure 53, it is envisaged that the heat insulated groundsheet 54would be secured to the peripheral wall 55 by any suitable releasablefastening means, for example, hooks and eyes of the type sold under theTrade Mark VELCRO, ties or any other suitable fastening material.

The heat insulated enclosure 53 is suspended from the support structurewith the heat insulated groundsheet 54 resting on the ground or othersuitable floor structure, or on a separate groundsheet which may bewaterproof or otherwise.

The advantages of the tents according to the invention are many. Aparticularly important advantage of the tents is that by virtue of thefact that the tents comprise one or more heat insulated enclosures 2which form one or more sleeping compartments of the tent, a person orpersons sleeping in the sleeping compartments is heat insulated from theweather conditions exterior of the tents. Thus, the tents according tothe invention may be used in relatively low temperature conditions, forexample, in environments where the temperature drops below freezingpoint, and also can be used in relatively hot environments where thetemperature is relatively high, for example, in excess of 50° C., sincethe heat insulated enclosures protect individuals within the heatinsulated enclosures from the external temperatures. Needless to say,the tents may be used in temperate environments as well.

While the tents have been described as comprising one or more heatinsulated sleeping compartments and a non-heat insulated daycompartment, it is envisaged in certain cases that both compartments maybe heat insulated. Alternatively, it is envisaged that the tent may beprovided without a day compartment, and would be provided with thesleeping compartment only with the heat insulated enclosure therein.

While the tent 1 has been described as comprising a ridge type tent, thetent could be provided in the form of a dome-shaped tent, or indeed, itwill be readily appreciated that the tent may be provided of anysuitable shape or construction with the heat insulated enclosure locatedand suspended therein.

It is also envisaged that in many cases, the heat insulating materialmay also be provided with acoustic insulating properties in order tominimise noise transfer into the heat insulated enclosure.

It is also envisaged that while the tents have been described ascomprising a non-heat insulated day compartment, it is envisaged that incertain cases, the entire tent may be formed by a heat insulatedenclosure, which would be suspended from tent poles or a flysheet.Indeed, it is envisaged that any of the tents according to the inventionmay be provided to be suitable for glamping, and in which case, all ofthe tent may be formed by a heat insulated enclosure, which would besuspended from a permanent or a semi-permanent structure, as in the caseof the tent of FIG. 15, which may also comprise an outer roof or outerstructure, and the outer roof or structure may be constructed from metalbased or natural materials, such as steel, wood or the like. In whichcase it is envisaged that the outer structure may be a permanentstructure. The outer roof and/or the outer structure may comprise aplastics base or natural fabric material such as polyester, cotton orsuch other materials. Furthermore, it is envisaged that where any of thetents are configured for glamping, only parts of the tent may be heatinsulated, for example, sleeping areas, and in which case, the sleepingarea or areas would be provided by one or more heat insulated enclosureswhich would be suspended from the structure of the tent.

It is also envisaged that in cases where a flysheet is provided, theflysheet need not extend to the ground.

1. A tent comprising a heat insulated enclosure having a heat insulatedgroundsheet, and a heat insulated peripheral side wall adapted to extendupwardly from the heat insulated groundsheet, and substantially aroundthe heat insulated groundsheet, the heat insulated side wall beingadapted to converge upwardly and to join adjacent a top ridge of thetent or to join a top heat insulated ridge element to close the top ofthe heat insulated enclosure, the peripheral side wall defining an openmouth to the enclosure.
 2. A tent as claimed in claim 1 in which theheat insulated enclosure is adapted for suspending from at least oneground engaging tent pole, and preferably, the heat insulated enclosureis adapted for suspending from a plurality of ground engaging tentpoles.
 3. A tent as claimed in claim 1 in which a closure element isprovided to close the open mouth to the heat insulated enclosure, andpreferably, the closure element comprises a heat insulated closureelement, and advantageously, the closure element is releasably securableto the heat insulated enclosure, and preferably, the closure elementcomprises an inner sheet and an outer sheet spaced apart from the innersheet, with a heat insulating material sandwiched therebetween.
 4. Atent as claimed in claim 1 in which the heat insulated groundsheetcomprises an inner sheet and an outer sheet spaced apart from the innersheet with a heat insulating material sandwiched therebetween, andadvantageously, the heat insulated peripheral wall comprises an innersheet and an outer sheet spaced apart from the inner sheet with a heatinsulating material sandwiched therebetween, and preferably, the heatinsulated ridge element comprises an inner sheet and an outer sheetspaced apart from the inner sheet with heat insulating materialsandwiched therebetween, and advantageously, at least the inner sheet ofeach of the heat insulated closure element, the heat insulatedgroundsheet and the heat insulated peripheral wall and the heatinsulated ridge element comprises a fabric material selected from anyone or more of the following materials: polycotton, polyester and othersuch plastics based materials.
 5. A tent as claimed in claim 3 in whichthe outer sheet of each of the heat insulated closure element, the heatinsulated groundsheet, the heat insulated peripheral wall and the heatinsulated ridge element comprises one of a moisture-proofed orwater-proofed material, and preferably, the outer sheet of the heatinsulated closure element, the heat insulated groundsheet, the heatinsulated peripheral wall and the heat insulated ridge element comprisesa fabric material selected from one or more of the following materials:polycotton, polyester and other such plastics based materials.
 6. A tentas claimed in claim 3 in which the heat insulating material of each ofthe heat insulated closure element, the heat insulated groundsheet, theheat insulated peripheral wall and the heat insulated ridge element isselected from any one or more of suitable plastics based heat insulatingmaterials, and preferably, the heat insulating material of each of theheat insulated closure element, the heat insulated groundsheet, the heatinsulated peripheral wall and the heat insulated ridge element comprisesa breathable material, and advantageously, the heat insulating materialof each of the heat insulated closure element, the heat insulatedgroundsheet, the heat insulated peripheral wall and the heat insulatedridge element comprises any one or more of a cellucotton heat insulatingmaterial, a polyester based heat insulating material, hollow fibrematerial, goose down, duck down and cotton, and preferably, the heatinsulating material comprises a breathable heat insulating material. 7.A tent as claimed in claim 3 in which the thickness of the heatinsulating material of each of the heat insulated closure element, theheat insulated groundsheet, the heat insulated peripheral wall and theheat insulated ridge element lies in the range of 15 mm to 40 mm, andpreferably, 15 mm to 30 mm.
 8. A tent as claimed in claim 1 in which aflysheet is provided, and the heat insulated enclosure is suspendedwithin the flysheet, and preferably, the flysheet comprises a waterproofmaterial.
 9. A tent as claimed in claim 1 in which a waterproofgroundsheet is provided, and preferably, the waterproof groundsheet issecured to the flysheet, and advantageously, the heat insulatedgroundsheet of the heat insulated enclosure is supported on thewaterproof groundsheet.
 10. A tent as claimed in claim 1 in which theheat insulated enclosure is suspended from the ground engaging tentpoles by a plurality of suspension elements, and preferably, eachsuspension element comprises a suspension strap, and advantageously, thesuspension straps extend between the heat insulated enclosure and one ofthe flysheet and the ground engaging tent poles, and preferably, thesuspension straps are secured to the heat insulated enclosure, and arereleasably secured to the one of the flysheet and the ground engagingtent poles, and advantageously, the suspension elements are secured tothe peripheral wall of the heat insulated enclosure, or alternatively,the suspension elements are secured to the heat insulated ridge element.11. A tent as claimed in claim 1 in which the tent comprises a non-heatinsulated day compartment, and the heat insulated enclosure isconfigured to communicate with the day compartment through the openmouth of the heat insulated enclosure.
 12. A tent as claimed in claim 11in which the day compartment comprises a closable communicating openingadapted to provide access to the open mouth of the heat insulatedenclosure, and preferably, the closable communicating opening isreleasably closable by a closure flap.
 13. A tent as claimed in claim 11in which a coupling means is provided for coupling the heat insulatedenclosure to the day compartment with the communicating openingcommunicating with the open mouth of the heat insulated enclosure, andpreferably, the coupling means comprises a releasable coupling means,and advantageously, the coupling means sealably couples the heatinsulated enclosure to the day compartment.
 14. A tent as claimed inclaim 11 in which the day compartment is adapted to receive a pluralityof heat insulated enclosures, and preferably, the day compartmentcomprises a plurality of communicating openings configured tocommunicate with the respective heat insulated enclosures through theopen mouths of the respective heat insulated enclosures.
 15. A tent asclaimed in claim 11 in which the day compartment comprises a dome-shapedday compartment, and preferably, the day compartment comprises aflysheet, and advantageously, the day compartment comprises agroundsheet.
 16. A tent as claimed in claim 1 in which the heatinsulating material comprises acoustic insulating properties.
 17. A tentcomprising a day compartment having a flysheet, and at least onesleeping compartment releasably secured to the day compartment, the atleast one sleeping compartment comprising a heat insulated enclosure, atleast one closable communicating opening located in the flysheet of theday compartment for communicating the day compartment with thecorresponding at least one sleeping compartment, and a coupling meansfor releasably coupling the at least one sleeping compartment to the daycompartment with the at least one sleeping compartment communicatingwith the day compartment through the communicating opening of the daycompartment.
 18. A tent as claimed in claim 17 in which the couplingmeans comprises a waterproof or at least a weatherproof sealing meansfor sealing the joint between the at least one sleeping compartment andthe day compartment, and preferably, the flysheet of the day compartmentcomprises a plurality of closable communicating openings forcommunicating the day compartment with respective ones of the sleepingcompartments, and advantageously, the day compartment comprises agroundsheet, and preferably, the heat insulated enclosure of eachsleeping compartment is suspended within the sleeping compartment.
 19. Amethod for heat insulating a tent, the method comprising providing aheat insulated enclosure having a heat insulated groundsheet, and a heatinsulated peripheral side wall adapted to extend upwardly from the heatinsulated groundsheet, and substantially around the heat insulatedgroundsheet, adapting the heat insulated peripheral side wall toconverge upwardly, and joining the peripheral side wall to form a topridge or joining a top heat insulated ridge element to close the top ofthe heat insulated enclosure, providing the peripheral side wall todefine an open mouth to the enclosure.
 20. A method as claimed in claim19 in which the heat insulated enclosure is suspended from at least oneground engaging tent pole, and preferably, from a plurality of groundengaging tent poles, and advantageously, a closure element is providedto close the open mouth to the heat insulated enclosure, and preferably,the closure element comprises a heat insulated closure element.